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United States Patent |
6,138,475
|
Kohl
,   et al.
|
October 31, 2000
|
Jewelry retention system
Abstract
An apparatus and system for securing jewelry to a person's body, or to
secure together the ends of a piece of jewelry. In one embodiment, an
earring back for receiving a post of an earring has a base having a base
aperture therein for receiving the post, and a first primary leg extending
from a first end of the base, and a second primary leg extending from a
second end of the base. A first spring leg extends from the first primary
leg, the first spring leg having front face having a tear-drop shaped
front aperture therein for receiving the post. A second spring leg extends
from the second primary leg, the second spring leg having intermediate
face having an intermediate aperture therein for receiving the post. The
spring legs are biased such that when the earring back is uncompressed or
not under external applied compressive forces, the front aperture, the
intermediate aperture, and the base aperture are in axial misalignment.
When the post is inserted through the apertures, the spring legs exert an
outward force which secures the earring back about the post. Other
embodiments include a clamping device and post for securing together the
ends of jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, or chokers.
Inventors:
|
Kohl; Thomas D. (13895 Braun Rd., Golden, CO 80401);
Mino; Kenneth L. (3770 Allison Ct., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033)
|
Appl. No.:
|
100211 |
Filed:
|
June 19, 1998 |
Current U.S. Class: |
63/12; 24/705; 24/707.4; 63/3.1 |
Intern'l Class: |
A44C 007/00 |
Field of Search: |
63/3.1,12
24/705,707.4
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
183164 | Oct., 1876 | Hessels.
| |
402071 | Apr., 1889 | Doran et al.
| |
494456 | Mar., 1893 | Blaeske.
| |
878885 | Feb., 1908 | Knoop.
| |
1061076 | May., 1913 | Hilditch.
| |
1152892 | Sep., 1915 | Henry.
| |
1193111 | Aug., 1916 | Breidenbach.
| |
2653367 | Sep., 1953 | Orchoff.
| |
2667675 | Feb., 1954 | Brutti.
| |
3040406 | Jun., 1962 | Artzt.
| |
3402438 | Sep., 1968 | Battistello.
| |
4667378 | May., 1987 | Sturm.
| |
Foreign Patent Documents |
3009607 | Sep., 1981 | DE.
| |
Primary Examiner: Melius; Terry Lee
Assistant Examiner: Chop; Andrea
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Holland & Hart LLP
Parent Case Text
This application claims the benefit of, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/050,260, filed Jun. 19, 1997,
entitled MODIFIED EARRING RETENTION SYSTEM, which is expressly
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application is also
a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/045,281,
filed Mar. 20, 1998, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
Claims
We claim:
1. An earring back for receiving a post of an earring, comprising:
a base including a base aperture therein for receiving said post;
a first primary leg extending from a first end of said base;
a second primary leg extending from a second end of said base;
a first spring leg extending from said first primary leg and being
coextensive with the length of said first primary leg, said first spring
leg including a front face, said front face including a front tear-drop
shaped aperture therein for receiving said post; and
a second spring leg extending from said second primary leg and being
coextensive with the length of said second primary leg, said second spring
leg including an intermediate face, said intermediate face including an
intermediate aperture therein for receiving said post, wherein when no
external forces are applied to the earring back, the front aperture, the
intermediate aperture, and the base aperture are in axial misalignment;
wherein said base, said first primary leg, and said second primary leg form
a U-shaped member extending away from said front face.
2. The earring back of claim 1, wherein said first spring leg is L-shaped
extending inwardly far enough to extend laterally over substantially all
of the base.
3. The earring back of claim 1, wherein said second spring leg is L-shaped
extending inwardly far enough to extend laterally over substantially all
of the base.
4. The earring back of claim 1, wherein said first spring leg has at least
one surface curve along a portion of the first spring leg.
5. The earring back of claim 1, wherein said second spring leg has at least
one surface curve along a portion of the second spring leg.
6. The earring back of claim 1, wherein said base aperture is substantially
circular.
7. The earring back of claim 1, wherein said front face has an indentation
about the front aperture to assist the insertion of the post into said
front aperture.
8. The earring back of claim 1, wherein said intermediate face is
positioned between said base and said front face.
9. A system for securing jewelry to a person's body, the system comprising:
a piece of jewelry;
a post attached to said piece of jewelry, said post having a surface
treatment; and
a clamping device adapted to receive said post, said clamping device
comprising:
a base including a base aperture therein for receiving said post;
a first primary leg extending from a first end of said base;
a second primary leg extending from a second end of said base;
a first spring leg extending from said first primary leg and being
coextensive with the length of said first primary leg, said first spring
leg including a front face, said front face including a front aperture
therein for receiving said post; and
a second spring leg extending from said second primary leg and being
coextensive with the length of said second primary leg, said second spring
leg including an intermediate face, said intermediate face including an
intermediate aperture therein for receiving said post, wherein when no
external forces are applied to the clamping device, the front aperture,
the intermediate aperture, and the base aperture are in axial
misalignment;
wherein said base, said first primary leg, and said second primary leg form
a U-shaped member extending away from said front face.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said post has at least one
circumferential notch adapted to couple with said front aperture of said
clamping device.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said circumferential notch is angled
along the axis of the post.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said circumferential notch has a front
edge and a rear edge, and said front edge is angled along the axis of the
post.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said angle is approximately 45 degrees
from the post.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein said circumferential notch has a front
edge and a rear edge, and said rear edge is angled along the axis of the
post.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein said circumferential notch has a front
edge and a rear edge, and said front edge and said rear edge are angled
along the axis of the post.
16. The system of claim 9, wherein said front face has an indentation about
the front aperture to assist the insertion of the post into said front
aperture.
17. The system of claim 9, wherein said intermediate aperture is tear drop
shaped.
18. The system of claim 9, wherein said intermediate face is positioned
between said base and said front face.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to devices and methods for securing
jewelry, and in particular to earring posts, earring backs, and attachment
devices for bracelets or necklaces.
BACKGROUND
Pierced earrings typically have a post that is pushed through an aperture
formed in a person's ear, or other body part. The earring is held in place
by an earring back. Earring backs have a tendency to fall off the post as
a result of normal use. For instance, screw-on earring backs unscrew due
to the movement of the user, and are relatively expensive to replace when
lost. They also require the post to be threaded. Most spring-loaded
earring backs also work their way off of the earring post because they are
not held on tightly enough due to their design.
Bracelets and necklaces conventionally utilize a solid first ring on one
end of the bracelet or necklace, and on the other end a partial circular
second ring which has a spring-loaded moveable arc portion which can be
opened or closed by a tab. This system requires the wearer to align the
opening of the second ring with the first ring while holding the tab in
the open position. The first ring is then placed within the second ring
through the open portion of the second ring, and the tab is released so
that the rings are locked together. Locking the rings together can be
particularly difficult when the wearer is attempting to secure the ends of
a necklace behind the wearer's head, or attempting to secure a short
bracelet about the wearer's wrist. Further, the spring-loaded moveable arc
portion can rust and become non-functional.
Another conventional clasp mechanism includes a hinged box clasp on one end
of the bracelet or necklace which is placed by the wearer about a slotted
tongue portion on the other end of the bracelet or necklace. In order to
couple the hinged box clasp to the slotted tongue portion, the wearer
closes the box clasp about the slotted tongue portion, but if the wearer
mistakenly fails to completely close the clasp, or if the clasp
accidentally opens, the bracelet or necklace can subsequently become
detached from the wearer.
Accordingly, with conventional jewelry retention devices, jewelry such as
earrings, bracelets, necklaces can become accidentally detached from the
wearer and the jewelry misplaced or lost, resulting in inconvenience or
financial loss.
It is against this background that the various embodiments of the present
invention were developed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In light of the above, therefore, according to a broad aspect of the
invention, an earring back for receiving a post of an earring is
disclosed. The earring back has a base having a base aperture therein for
receiving the post, and a first primary leg extending from a first end of
the base, and a second primary leg extending from a second end of the
base. A first spring leg extends from the first primary leg, the first
spring leg having front face having a front tear-drop shaped aperture
formed therein for receiving the post. A second spring leg extends from
the second primary leg, the second spring leg having intermediate face
having an intermediate aperture therein for receiving the post. The spring
legs are biased such that when the earring back is uncompressed or not
under external applied compressive forces, the front aperture, the
intermediate aperture, and the base aperture are in axial misalignment.
When the post is inserted through the apertures, the spring legs exert an
outward force which secures the earring back on the post.
In one example, the base, the first primary leg, and second primary leg
form a U-shaped member. The first spring leg can be L-shaped extending
inwardly far enough to extend laterally over substantially all of the
length of the base. The second spring leg is L-shaped extending inwardly
far enough to extend laterally over substantially all of the length of the
base. The first and second spring legs can have has at least one surface
curve along a portion thereof. The first aperture can be substantially
circular and the front face can have an indentation about the front
aperture to assist the insertion of the post into the front aperture. The
intermediate aperture can be tear drop shaped to as to provide
self-alignment of the front, intermediate, and base apertures as the post
is inserted in the earring back.
According to another broad aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed
for securing a piece of jewelry, such as a bracelet, necklace, or choker,
to a person's body. The system includes a post attached to the piece of
jewelry, and a clamping device adapted to receive the post. The post has a
surface treatment such as at least one circumferential notch adapted to
couple with the front aperture of the clamping device. The circumferential
notch can be angled along the axis of the post for ease of insertion of
the post within the clamping device, while providing secure coupling
between the post and the clamping device. The clamping device includes a
base having a base aperture therein for receiving the post, and a first
primary leg extending from a first end of the base, and a second primary
leg extending from a second end of the base. A first spring leg extends
from the first primary leg, the first spring leg having front face having
a front aperture therein for receiving the post. A second spring leg
extends from the second primary leg, the second spring leg having
intermediate face having an intermediate aperture therein for receiving
the post. The spring legs are biased such that when the clamping device is
uncompressed or not under external applied compressive forces, the front
aperture, the intermediate aperture, and the base aperture are in axial
misalignment. When the post is inserted through the apertures, the spring
legs exert an outward force which secures the earring back about the post.
According to another broad aspect of the invention, a system for securably
attaching a first end of a piece of jewelry to a second end of the piece
of jewelry is disclosed. The system includes a post attached to the first
end of the piece of jewelry, and a clamping device adapted to receive the
post, the clamping device coupled to the second end of the piece of
jewelry. The clamping device includes a base having a base aperture
therein for receiving the post, and a first primary leg extending from a
first end of the base, and a second primary leg extending from a second
end of the base. A first spring leg extends from the first primary leg,
the first spring leg having front face having a front aperture therein for
receiving the post. A second spring leg extends from the second primary
leg, the second spring leg having intermediate face having an intermediate
aperture therein for receiving the post. The spring legs are biased such
that when the clamping device is uncompressed or not under external
applied compressive forces, the front aperture, the intermediate aperture,
and the base aperture are in axial misalignment. When the post is inserted
through the apertures, the spring legs exert an outward force which
secures the earring back about the post.
In one example, the clamping device is positioned within the second end of
the jewelry, and the clamping device has an externally depressable tab
along a portion of the intermediate spring leg. Alternatively, the
clamping device has a set of aligned apertures passing through the front
spring leg, the intermediate spring leg, the first primary leg, and the
second primary leg, the aligned apertures adapted to receive a ring
attached to the second end of the jewelry.
The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the following more particular description of a
preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a jewelry clamping device in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the jewelry clamping device of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the jewelry clamping device of FIG. 1
wherein the section line 6--6 is shown passing through the intermediate
aperture of the immediate spring leg.
FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the jewelry clamping device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the jewelry clamping device of FIG. 1
showing the front aperture of the front spring leg in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view taken along section lines 6--6 of FIG.
3 showing the intermediate aperture of the intermediate spring leg in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the jewelry clamping device of FIG.
1 along section lines 7--7 wherein the jewelry clamping device is in a
free or uncompressed position.
FIG. 8 illustrates a representational sectional view of the jewelry
clamping device of FIG. 1 wherein the jewelry clamping device is secured
about a jewelry post, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a representational cross-sectional view of the jewelry
clamping device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates a front-end view of the jewelry clamping device shown
in FIG. 1 illustrating the alignment of the apertures when the clamping
device is in a free or uncompressed position.
FIG. 11 illustrates a front-end sectional view of the jewelry clamping
device secured about an earring post along section lines 11--11 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 12 illustrates a jewelry post having angled circumferential notches
adapted to mate with a jewelry clamping device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a jewelry post having a notch adapted to mate with a
jewelry clamping device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 14 illustrates a threaded post adapted to mate with a jewelry clamping
device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 illustrates a jewelry clamping device secured about the threaded
post of FIG. 14 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIGS. 16A-E illustrate the process of securing a jewelry clamping device
about a jewelry post in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a jewelry clamping device in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the jewelry clamping device of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the jewelry clamping device of FIG. 16 along
the 19--19 section lines.
FIG. 20 illustrates the jewelry clamping device of FIG. 17 secured about a
jewelry post adjacent an ear of a wearer.
FIG. 21 illustrates a piece of jewelry wherein a jewelry clamping device
and a jewelry post are positioned within the ends of the piece of jewelry
for securement thereof about the wearer in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention, wherein the piece of jewelry is in the open
position.
FIG. 22 illustrates the piece of jewelry of FIG. 21 wherein the ends
thereof are secured together by the jewelry clamping device and the
jewelry post.
FIG. 23 illustrates a piece of jewelry wherein a jewelry post and a jewelry
clamping device are attached to the ends of the piece of jewelry in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 illustrates the piece of jewelry of FIG. 23 wherein the ends
thereof are secured together by the jewelry clamping device and the
jewelry post.
FIG. 25 is a sectional view along section lines 25--25 of FIG. 21
illustrating the jewelry post and the jewelry clamping device in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a sectional view along section lines 26--26 of FIG. 22
illustrating the jewelry clamping device secured about the jewelry post in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a sectional view along section lines 27--27 of FIG. 23
illustrating a jewelry post and a jewelry clamping device in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a sectional view along section lines 28--28 of FIG. 24
illustrating the jewelry clamping device secured about the jewelry post in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the earring
back, showing a front aperture being tear-dropped shaped.
FIG. 30 is a top view of the earring back shown in FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 shows a post having continuous grooves along its length.
FIG. 32 is a post, and shows annular grooves spaced longitudinally along
the length of the post.
FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of one of the grooves of FIG. 32, and shows the
front and rear edges of the grooves angled to approximately 45 degrees
from the post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An earring retention system is shown in FIGS. 1-20, and includes both the
earring back and the associated post. A spring-action earring back is
disclosed that tightly clamps the post of the earring and virtually
eliminates the problem of unwanted disconnection from the post. The
earring back can be used on threaded posts, smooth posts, or on the
slotted post as disclosed below. As used herein, the term jewelry
"clamping device" refers to the various embodiments of the earring back as
used with earrings or other jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces, as
shown and described herein. The term jewelry "post" refers to the various
embodiments of the posts as used with earrings or other jewelry as shown
and described herein. Accordingly, the terms "earring back", "jewelry
clamping device", and "clamping device" are used interchangeably, and the
terms "earring post", "jewelry post", and "post" are also used
interchangeably.
Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the earring back 30 includes a U-shaped main body
32 and two depending spring legs 34, 36, the legs being biasingly attached
to the main body. The main body defines a base 38 having opposing ends 40,
42 with a primary leg 44, 46 attached to each opposing end and extending
substantially perpendicularly from the base. The base defines an aperture
48 formed therethrough to receive the post 50, as is described below.
The distal ends 52, 54 of the primary leg are each attached to, preferably
integrally, the proximate end of one spring leg 34, 36 respectively. Each
spring leg 34, 36 bends back over and extends along the length of the
primary leg to which it is attached, extends beyond the base member 38 of
the main body, and terminates in an L-shape 56, 58, with the L-shape 56,
58 extending inwardly at least far enough to extend laterally the entire
length of the base 38 of the main body. One spring leg 34 is the "front"
leg, the other spring leg 36 is the "intermediate" leg. The L-shaped
portions 56, 58 of each of the spring legs overlap each other.
Each L-shaped portion defines an aperture. The front leg 34 defines a front
aperture 60, preferably oval or oblong in shape, in the L-shaped portion
56. The front aperture 60 is positioned, preferably, on a front face 62
less than half way from the bend 64 forming the L-shape and the free end
66. The free end 66 of the front leg 34 is bent rearwardly to a small
extent. The intermediate leg 36 defines an intermediate aperture 68 on an
intermediate face 70 approximately half-way between the bend 72 forming
the L-shape and the free end 74. Each of the apertures 48, 60 and 68 forms
a rim that partially engages the outer surface of the post 50.
In the free, uncompressed position (no external forces applied to the
earring back), the three apertures 48, 60 and 68 are axially mis-aligned
(see FIGS. 7, 9, 10) in a plane 76 extending perpendicularly through the
earring back as shown in FIG. 7. The apertures are vertically aligned in
the plane of FIG. 7 so that the apertures are each offset a substantially
equal distance 77 from the edge 78 of the earring back as seen in FIG. 10.
In the misaligned orientation, the front aperture 60 (due to the position
of the front leg 34) is shy of being axially aligned with the base
aperture 48, and the intermediate aperture 68 (due to the position of the
intermediate leg 36) is shy of being axially aligned with the base
aperture 48. In the preferred embodiment, the misalignment is such that
the front and intermediate legs must be pushed towards one another to
axially align the front, intermediate and base apertures (see FIG. 16B),
as is described in further detail below.
The spring bias maintaining the front and intermediate legs in the
preferred position is created in the bend 40, 42 between the base member
38 of the main body and the primary legs 44, 46, and in the bend 52 at the
connection of the front leg 34 with the primary leg 44, and the bend 54 at
the connection of the intermediate leg 36 with the other primary leg 46.
When the front and intermediate legs 34, 36 are pushed towards one
another, the earring back resiliently bends at these locations to allow
alignment of the apertures, and when the earring back is released, the
bias force created at these locations tends to return the front and
intermediate legs to the free position (FIG. 7) by biasing them outwardly.
Each of the front and intermediate legs 34, 36 has a series of curves 80
along their respective lengths. The curves 80 form a gripping surface for
easy grasping by the user. The curves could be replaced by bumps or
another gripping surface, depending on the technique used to manufacture
the inventive earring back.
The apertures 48, 60, 68 can all have straight side walls, or can have
different profiles as desired for enhanced performance. For instance, the
front aperture 60 can have a chamfered or countersunk shape 82 through
substantially its entire depth. A small straight-sided portion 84 of the
aperture remains at the rearward surface of the L-shaped portion 56. This
aperture profile forms a sharp edge for assisting in gripping the post 50,
as described below. The intermediate aperture 68 can also have a
countersunk or chamfered profile 86, and preferably has a larger amount 88
with straight side walls. The base aperture 48 can also have a countersunk
profile 90 with approximately one-half of its depth 92 defining a straight
side wall.
FIG. 10 shows a front view of the apertures 48, 60, 68 in the free
position, where they are axially mis-aligned. FIG. 11 shows a front view
of the apertures 48, 60, 68 after they have been aligned, a post 50 has
been inserted, and the earring back released.
The posts used with this earring back can be smooth walled (FIG. 8),
notched (or have some other surface treatment 91) (FIGS. 12 and 13), or
threaded 93 (FIGS. 14, 15). The notched wall is preferred, and assist in
creating a strong retention force of the earring back on the post. The
sidewalls of the individual notches can be sloped (FIG. 20) or at a right
angle to the base of the notch (FIGS. 12, 13). The sloped profile allows
the earring back to be applied more easily. The profiled apertures more
easily engage the surface features (threads, notches) than an non-profiled
aperture, and are also believed to engage a smooth post with more force
per unit area (smaller engagement area, which is the rim of the aperture
that touches the post) to create an enhanced engagement force.
In use, in general, the user grasps the earring back 30 and compresses the
front and intermediate spring legs 34, 36 to axially align the front,
intermediate and base apertures 60, 68, 48. When the apertures are
aligned, the post 50 is inserted through the apertures. When the post has
been inserted through the aligned apertures, the user releases the front
and intermediate legs, which then spring back under the bias force,
causing the rims 84, 88 of the front and intermediate apertures to engage
the walls of the post 50, to hold the post in position with respect the
earring back. The base aperture 48 assists by holding the post in the
roughly proper position. FIG. 8 shows the earring back positioned about an
earring post.
As shown in FIGS. 16D and 16E, the post 50 can have a specifically
positioned notch 94 formed at the proper position to be engaged by either
the rim 84 of the front aperture (FIG. 16E) or by the rim 88 of the
intermediate aperture (FIG. 16D). The engagement of the rim of the
aperture (front or intermediate) in the specifically located notch assists
in providing a secure, snap-in fit.
FIGS. 16A-16E show the sequence of using the earring back. FIG. 16A shows
the earring back 30 in the free position. FIG. 16B shows the earring back
30 in the compressed, or squeezed, position to align the apertures 48, 60,
68. FIG. 16C shows the insertion of the post 50. FIG. 16D shows the
release of the back 30 to allow the legs 34, 36 (front and intermediate)
to spring back under bias force in an outwardly direction to cause the
rims 84, 88, 92 of the apertures to engage the outer surface of the post
50 and securely grip the post. In FIG. 16D a single notch 94 is shown
aligned with the intermediate aperture 68. In FIG. 16E, a single notch 94
is shown aligned with the front aperture 60.
The earring back of the present invention is advantageous because of the
dual spring force applied to the post to retain the earring back on the
post. In addition, if the post 50 is serrated, notched, threaded, or has
some other surface treatment, the retention force is increased by
increased friction or mechanical interference in addition to the clamping
force created by the spring bias. The front aperture 60 is oval or oblong
to assist the user in finding the aperture 60 with the post when the
earring is in one's ear and is difficult to see.
As previously discussed, the apertures of the earring back or clamping
device can have different profiles. FIG. 6 shows a tear drop, tapered
profile 96 used with the intermediate aperture 68 on the intermediate
spring leg 36 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The tapered profile 96 permits the post to be more easily inserted into
the clamping device and reduces the amount of compression which the wearer
has to externally apply to the legs. The tapered or tear drop profile 96
shown is formed by a smaller arc 90 having a smaller radius at one end 100
of the intermediate aperture, and a larger arc 102 at the other end 104 of
the intermediate aperture, where the larger arc has a larger radius than
the smaller arc.
As the tip 106 of the post 50 (FIG. 8) is inserted into the front aperture,
the tip 106 of the post engages the smaller arc 98 (FIG. 6) of the
intermediate aperture 68 due to the slight overlap between the front and
intermediate apertures previously described. The smaller arc 98 of the
intermediate aperture should have a radius slightly smaller than the
radius of the post 50, and the smaller arc 98 should be oriented towards
the center of the intermediate face 70 of the intermediate spring leg, so
that the tip of the post initially engages the smaller arc 98 as the post
engages walls of the intermediate aperture. As the post 50 is pushed
through the intermediate aperture 68, the post exerts a tangential force
on the smaller arc 98 of the intermediate aperture which tends to move the
intermediate spring leg 36 inwardly towards the compressed position. As
the post is inserted through the front and intermediate apertures, these
apertures also align the post with the base aperture 48.
As shown in FIG. 9, a distance (d) is preferably 0.030 inches, but
preferably no greater than 0.050 inches, between the intermediate aperture
68 and the base aperture 48 permits the post to be properly aligned with
the base aperture 48 after passing through the intermediate aperture 68.
This dimension can be used regardless of whether the intermediate aperture
68 has an oval or tear drop, tapered profile. When the tear drop, tapered
profile is used with the intermediate aperture, a self-compression and
self-alignment feature of the clamping device is provided to permit easier
insertion of the post within the clamping device.
As previously discussed, the post can have different profiles and different
surface treatments. FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of the post 50
wherein angled circumferential notches 91 are provided on the outer
surface of the post. The angled notches 91 permit the post to be easily
inserted in the clamping device as the clamping device is compressed, but
also improve the prevention against the clamping device from being removed
from the post. The angled notches 91 define an upper point 108
corresponding to the lower edge 110 of one notch, and a lower point 112
corresponding to the upper edge 114 of an adjacent notch. Each spring leg
of the clamping device is then securely positioned between the upper point
108 and the lower point 112. Due to the spring forces exerted outwardly by
the spring legs, the rims of apertures of the spring legs engage the upper
or lower points of the angled notches which provides even greater
resistance to accidental movement of the clamping device along the axis of
the post.
As previously discussed, the surfaces of the legs can vary and the
apertures can have different profiles. FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a clamping
device 120 having oval or circular profile 122 on the front face 124 of
the front spring leg 126, and smoothly inwardly curved surfaces 128, 130
along the front leg 132 and intermediate leg 134. The profile of the front
face 124 can be shaped for different aesthetic appearances. The inwardly
curved surfaces 128, 130 of the legs 132, 134 permit the clamping device
to be easily grasped by the user.
An indentation 140 can be provided on outer surface of the front face 124
about the front aperture 142 to assist the insertion of the post within
the front aperture. The indentation 140 can take various shapes, such as
the circular shape shown in FIG. 17. This circular indentation 140 can be
formed by impressing or stamping a ball-bearing tip onto the outer surface
of the front face 124.
FIG. 20 illustrates the clamping device 120 of FIG. 17 secured about a post
144 through an ear 146 of a wearer. The post 144 has a set of three
circumferential notches 148 which are provided so that the clamping device
can be secured about ears of varying thickness or at different levels of
tightness. Depending on the wearer's preference, the clamping device can
be secured about the any of the notches 148 or a combination thereof. The
spacing between the notches 148 can be selected to correspond to the
distances between the apertures of the clamping device 120.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device and
post can be used to secure together the ends of jewelry, such as
bracelets, necklaces, chokers, etc., as shown in FIGS. 21-28. Referring to
FIGS. 21, 22, 25 and 26, a clamping device 150 is secured within one end
152 of a piece of jewelry 154, and a post 156 is secured within the other
end 158 of the piece of jewelry 154 so that the two ends of the jewelry
can be secured together using the clamping device and post 156. As shown
in FIG. 25, the front spring leg 160 has a flat side 162 which abuts the
interior surface 164 of the jewelry. The intermediate spring leg 166 has a
depressable tab 168 formed about the bend 170 of the leg which is
externally depressable through a slot 172 in the jewelry. The tab 168 can
be depressed to assist with the insertion of the post 156 within the
clamping device 150, or a tear drop shaped tapered intermediate aperture
can be used to provide for self-alignment as discussed above. Once the
ends 152, 158 of the jewelry 154 are secured together within the clamping
device, the tab 168 can be depressed to permit the removal of the post
from the clamping device, thereby releasing the ends of the jewelry. The
post 156 can be provided with a set of notches 174 spaced to mate with the
apertures of the clamping device.
FIGS. 23, 24, 27, and 28 show another embodiment of the present invention
wherein the clamping device 180 and post 182 are used to secure the ends
of a piece of jewelry 184 having ring ends. Referring to FIG. 27, the
front spring leg 186, the intermediate spring leg 188, and each primary
leg 190, 192 each have aligned apertures 194 formed therethrough which
receive a first ring or loop 196 coupled to a first end 198 of the
jewelry. The post 182 is secured to a second ring 200 which is coupled to
the second end 202 of the jewelry 184. It is understood that while rings
or loops are used to couple the clamping device and post to the ends of
the jewelry, other structures could be equivalently utilized.
The front spring leg 186 and intermediate spring leg 188 are also provided
with depressable tabs 204 formed along the side walls. The tabs 204 can be
depressed to assist with the insertion of the post within the clamping
device, or a tear drop shaped tapered intermediate aperture 206 can be
used to provide for self-alignment as discussed above. Once the ends 198,
202 of the jewelry are secured together within the clamping device, the
tabs 204 can be depressed to permit the removal of the post from the
clamping device, thereby releasing the ends of the jewelry. The post 182
can be provided with a set of notches 206 spaced to mate with the
apertures of the clamping device.
Accordingly, as shown and described above, the clamping device and post of
the present invention can be used to secure jewelry, such as earrings, to
a person's body, or to secure together the ends of jewelry such as
bracelets, necklaces, chokers, etc. It is understood that the clamping
device and post shown and described above can be used in other
applications to secure two articles together. For instance, the clamping
device and post can be used as an electrical connector electrically
coupling at least two conductors together. A first conductor can be
coupled, for example by solder or other means, to the clamping device,
while a second conductor can be coupled, for example by solder or other
means, to a post having notches or a slotted profile as discussed above.
The clamping device and post can be made of electrically conductive
material so that the two conductors are electrically coupled when the post
is secured within the clamping device. In such an application, the
clamping device and post of the present invention would permit a secure
electrical connection between two conductors where the connection could be
de-coupled as needed. The clamping device and post could be included
within a wire harness or casing to provide electrical isolation from other
conductors.
FIGS. 29 and 30 show an alternative embodiment of the apertures formed in
the legs, specifically that the aperture 200 in the front leg 202 (first
aperture) has an elongated tapered or wedge-shape with a rounded wide end
204 and a rounded narrow end 206. The basic structure of this embodiment
of the earring back is the rounded wide end 204 is located toward the bend
of the L-shape, and the rounded narrow end 206 is located toward the free
end of the L-shape. The perimeter 210 of the first aperture 200 is beveled
or countersunk (similar to that shown in FIG. 9), forming an apex at
approximately its center point. The apex can be pointed or rounded. The
dimensions of the narrow end of the tapered hole are designed to "wrap
around" the post and contact approximately one-third to one-half of the
circumference of the post.
The aperture 212 in the intermediate leg 214 (second aperture) is circular.
The perimeter of the second aperture 212 is beveled or countersunk also
(similar to that shown in FIG. 9), forming an apex at approximately its
center point. The apex can be pointed or rounded.
The aperture in the base 216 (third aperture) is circular. The perimeter of
the third aperture is beveled or countersunk also (similar to that shown
in FIG. 9), forming an apex at approximately its center point. The apex
can be pointed or rounded.
As mentioned above, the first aperture 200 is tapered, the second aperture
212 is circular, and the third aperture is circular. Alternatively, the
first aperture can be circular, the second aperture can be tapered, and
the third aperture can be circular. Where the second aperture is tapered,
the rounded wide end is located toward the bend of the L-shape, and the
rounded narrow end is located toward the free end of the L-shape, for
purposes described below. Any combination of aperture shapes (including
first and second apertures being tapered) is contemplated.
Alternative embodiments of the post 230 for use with earring back of the
present invention are shown in FIGS. 31-33. The post can be smooth,
threaded, slotted or somehow roughened to improve the gripping force of
the earring back on the post. The post can have annular grooves 231 with
rounded or pointed peaks 232 and valleys 234 (FIG. 31). Rounded peaks and
valleys allows easier insertion and extraction of the post from the
earring back. The annular grooves forming the peaks and valleys can be
separated along the length of the post (FIG. 32) or continuous (FIG. 30).
A preferred post is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. The grooves 231 are separated
longitudinally along the length of the post (no decorative portion of the
post is shown). Each groove has a front wall 236 (towards the top end in
FIG. 33) and a rear wall 238 (near the bottom end in FIG. 33). The front
wall 236 is more sloped than the steeper rear wall 238. The groove 231 can
have a flat, curved, or pointed bottom 240. The bottom end 242 of the post
can be flat, rounded or pointed.
When a grooved or threaded post is used, the edges (such as 210) or apexes
of the circumferences of the first, second and/or third apertures seat in
and engage one of the valleys formed in the post to enhance the gripping
force of the earring back on the post. While all three preferably seat in
a valley, if only one or two of the apertures edges seat in a valley,
sufficient retention of the post in the earring back is established. Where
used with a threaded post, the earring back can be pushed on and screwed
(unthreaded) off if desired.
The groove (or circumferential notch) design in FIGS. 31 and 32 facilitate
the "push-on" feature of the earring back. The front wall or edge 236 is
sloped to preferably approximately 45 degrees from the post, which is a
sufficient amount to allow the post to be pushed through the earring back
without having to compress the front and intermediate legs. The sloped
front wall 236 acts as a cam surface to help the edges of the apertures
that contact the sloped front wall slide up and over the post sections
between the grooves. This allows the earring back to simply be pushed onto
the post without compressing the front and intermediate legs.
The rear wall or edge 238 is preferably less sloped, and at a substantially
right angle to the bottom 240. This steep angle between the bottom 240 and
the rear wall 238 inhibits the removal of the earring back from the post
without compressing the front and intermediate legs together to align the
apertures. The circumferential edges of the apertures engage that steep
back wall 238, which does not act as a ramp or cam surface like the front
wall 236, and the earring back thus is difficult to properly remove
without compressing the front and intermediate legs.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and
details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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